Professor Kofi Akamani shot dead, wife charged with murder

Dr. Kofi Akamani, a 48-year-old professor of Forest Recreation and Conservation Social Science at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, was shot and killed on September 19, 2026, at his home in rural Murphysboro, Illinois.

His wife, 35-year-old Betty Akamani, has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of endangering the life or health of a child. Prosecutors state the couple had been separated for approximately two years and were undergoing a divorce. The incident reportedly occurred after Dr. Akamani had spent Saturday with his two daughters. Betty Akamani remains in the Jackson County Jail following a court appearance where she was denied release.

In response to the tragedy, the SIU Forestry Department held a vigil to honor Dr. Akamani’s legacy. Additionally, the SIU Foundation has established the Dr. Kofi Akamani Memorial Student Fund, which aims to support students pursuing careers in forestry and natural resources.